one couple, two cats, thousands of miles, the journey through infertility, a high risk pregnancy, and finally, a baby girl

Saturday, February 4, 2012

33.6 today! 7 weeks 1 day of hospital bed rest

Wow, time has flown by. On one hand, I feel like I’ve been here F.O.R.E.V.E.R. And yet, it seems like just yesterday that I ruptured, and was faced with the very real possibility of delivering at 26.5. Thank you Magnesium Sulfate, antibiotics, and brilliant medical staff for not allowing that to happen.

The BIG news is that this week (as of Tuesday night) I’m now allowed to walk. It feels amazing to be upright and out of bed. I compliantly did the PT bed rest exercises, but it’s just not the same as walking by myself, stretching my legs. I’ve been doing laps around L&D, and the staff reactions have been so encouraging. People seem genuinely surprised, and happy, that I’m up and about.

The induction countdown has officially begun, and in some ways, is really bittersweet. I’m beyond sad that Baby B has to come early, that she will go to the NICU, and won’t be going home with me. Yet I also know that I made it so much further than expected. Just last night one of the doctors said that she’s never had a ruptured patient make it this long, so yeah, I guess we surpassed everyone’s expectations. Saying goodbye to Baby A is going to be really, really hard. This will be the last time my babies will ever be together, the last time I’ll be physically close to my baby boy. There is no way to express that level of sadness, of utter devastation. Yet, I’m excited to meet Baby B, and I have all of the normal, positive emotions associated with a very planned and wanted little girl. My sweet girl Kate is going to have a sister. WOW.

I’m going to miss the hospital staff, A LOT. Many people have stated that they want to keep in touch, which will be lovely. It will be strange to not see the same people day after day. I feel like I finally understand how things work around here, even down to the staffing patterns, where supplies are stored, and good grief, why did it take six weeks to find out that there are curly fries in the café, hmm, probably better that I didn’t know that ;)

One of the big boss, administration types stopped by the other day, just to see how things are going. I told him how impressed I am with the hospital, the way things are done, and most importantly, the employees. I offered to write a letter, but really, how do you put into words the quality of care, the encouragement, and the friendship, displayed on a daily basis. There are no words to express my gratitude for the experience I’ve had over the past 7 weeks. Simple words on a page will never be enough.

I’ve previously blogged about some of the kind things people have done, but in addition to the tangible items, the amount of support and kind words, haven’t gone unnoticed, or unappreciated. Whether privately in my room, during wheelchair rides, now walks, around the hospital with the nurses, people have been encouraging and kind.There’s been a constant flow of “Wow. You look great. Wonderful to see you out.” Now, “Wonderful to see you UP.” Smiles, greeting of hello, and hugs. This hospital is truly unique.

Oh why not, here are some of the recent fun things.

The unit secretary found out I like Mexican food. Hello HOMEMADE enchiladas, and a few days later, breakfast burritos. YUM. Oh my goodness. YUM.

More treats

The March of Dimes/ NICU coordinator brought me lunch

Flowers. Or as Kate calls them, “owers.”

A slice of cake from a going away party

Lip gloss

The NICU nurses are sending cookies to my room. They said they want a 5lb baby :) Please notice the grapes; I was trying to have a healthy bedtime snack.

This morning I opened the door and found a banner across it, spelling my name with bright colors (sorry, no pic)

Yep, ALL of this from staff.

As for what’s happening medically, not much. I’m as stable as can be, perfect labs, and not contracting regularly. We continue to have BPPs twice a week. Yesterday Baby B was measuring at 4lbs (I think she’ll be a little over 5.) The plan is to discontinue the heparin tomorrow morning, and start low-dose Pitocin tomorrow night. Eek.

So glad you've had a great group of people to surround you and care for you. I'm sure that the day you deliver will be bittersweet, but I will be praying for you and baby B. with any luck she won't have a long NICU stay and will be home with you in a few weeks.

What a journey it's been for you! I'm thrilled you've made it this far, and hope Baby B's arrival is peaceful and her NICU stay is brief. I completely understand what the bittersweet nature of the arrival of a wonderful live and the wonder of what might have been. Truthfully, things have been a little harder for me as our boy grows, and I look at him and wonder about who his sister or brother might have been. In the end, though, I rejoice in watching him grow healthy and strong. I am hoping and praying for the same for you.

Wow! Good luck to you! A friend of mine told me about your blog. I am also pregnant (twin girls), 32 weeks+. We have a one year old daughter, and I am the fed employee. I can only imagine what you have gone through. Thank you for sharing your experience.